ERIC First Analysis: 1976-77 National High School Debate Resolutions (How Can the Criminal Justice System in the United States Best Be Improved?)

Huber, Robert B.

The goal of this booklet is to assist debaters in developing problem-solving skills as represented in the 1976-77 debate topic: How can the criminal justice system in the United States best be improved? The sections of this document focus on the need for criminal justice reform; procedural steps in the criminal justice system; discussing or debating penal reform; lack of uniform codes; and gun control. The sections are geared toward the 1976-77 discussion questions and debate propositions. Such topics are discussed as police detention, prosecution, adjudication, procedures in the Department of Corrections, victimless crimes and prison population, need for new standards, pretrial delay, quality of probation and parole officers, mandatory sentences, and prisoner's rights. A lengthy reading list related to the debate topic is also included. (TS)